There was a sudden change in her face, with a look of doubt and anxious perplexity. Orsino saw it and felt that she was putting him upon his honour, and that whatever the doubt might be it had nothing to do with her trust in him. Six months earlier he would not have hesitated to demonstrate that her fears were empty—but he felt that six months earlier she might not have yielded to his reasoning. It was instinctive, but his instinct was not mistaken.
"I think you are right," he said slowly. "We should not do it. I will send my architect with you."
There was enough regret in the tone to show that he was making a considerable sacrifice. A little delicacy means more when it comes from a strong man, than when it is the natural expression of an over-refined and somewhat effeminate character. And Orsino was rapidly developing a strength of which other people were conscious. Maria Consuelo was pleased, though she, too, was perhaps sorry to give up the projected plan.
"After all," she said, thoughtlessly, "you can come and see me here, if—"
She stopped and blushed again, more deeply this time; but she turned her face away and in the half light the change of colour was hardly noticeable.
"You were going to say 'if you care to see me,'" said Orsino. "I am glad you did not say it. It would not have been kind."
"Yes—I was going to say that," she answered quietly. "But I will not."
"Thank you."
"Why do you thank me?"
"For not hurting me."